Preview: Colorado Rapids vs. Los Angeles Galaxy – Prediction, Team News, Lineups

Colorado Rapids hopes to close the gap on the leaders of the MLS Western Conference Los Angeles Galaxy when they meet at 20 Dick's Sporting Goods Park Field on Thursday.

The hosts are currently in fourth place with 50 points after 31 games, eight points behind the visitors who sit at the top of the conference table after the same number of games.

Game preview

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Colorado is two points behind second-place Los Angeles FC, which has played a game less, and third-place Real Salt Lake with three games remaining.

However, a worrying trend for the Rapids is that they are struggling to maintain momentum, which has resulted in them losing two of their last three MLS games, the last of which was a 3-0 away loss at Minnesota.

Another worrying problem for Chris ArmasOn the other hand, there are their defensive weaknesses, as they conceded seven goals in this period and only scored three goals. This leaves open the possibility that they could lose their automatic playoff spot as they go into three games just five points ahead of the teams in eighth and ninth place.

Fortunately, the Rapids are back on home soil on Thursday, where they are unbeaten in ten games, drawing two and winning eight, including their last three.

Colorado, which settled for a scoreless draw the last time this game was played, will be hoping its potent offense is in full swing heading into this matchup.

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LA Galaxy have an identical 4-2 record in their last three games, winning two of those games, including their most recent MLS clash against the Vancouver Whitecaps.

The Galaxy, which has fluctuated between wins and losses in its last six games across all competitions, is aiming for back-to-back wins for the first time since last month.

A win on Thursday would take the visitors to 61 points for the first time since 2014, when they won their last MLS Cup.

However, Greg VanneyThe Manchester side have struggled away from home in recent weeks, losing their last three away games in all competitions, including two in MLS.

Colorado Rapids Major League Soccer form:

Colorado Rapids form (all competitions):

Los Angeles Galaxy Major League Soccer form:

Los Angeles Galaxy form (all competitions):

Team news

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Colorado will go into the game without one Cole Bassett (quad), Adam Beaudry (upper body), Kevin Cabral (elbow) and Sam Vines (paralyze).

Rafael Navarro has scored more MLS goals for the hosts (14) than any other player this season, and the attacker will be eager to add to his tally on Thursday.

The only absentee for LA Galaxy will be Martin Cacereswho has to sit out until the end of the year due to an Achilles tendon injury.

Gabriel Pec And Joseph Paintsil have scored a goal in consecutive games and both attackers will be looking to make a significant impact on the visitors in this encounter.

Possible Colorado Rapids starting lineup:
Steffen; Anderson, Edwards, Maxso, Cannon; Ronan, Larraz; Yapi, Mihailovic, Bassett; Navarro

Los Angeles Galaxy possible starting lineup:
McCarthy; Yamane, Garces, Yoshida, Nelson; Cerrillo, Puig, Reus; Paintsil, Joveljic, Pec

We say: Colorado Rapids 2:1 Los Angeles Galaxy

The Colorado Rapids have been impressive at home in recent months, while LA Galaxy have struggled on the road in recent weeks. We therefore predict a win for the home team on Thursday.

For data analysis of the most likely outcomes, scores and more for this game, please click here.

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